Tuesday, 18 September 2012

Zavier Ellis and Edward Lucie-Smith are the brains behind The Polemically Small exhibition at the Orleans House Museum in Richmond, which runs until 23rd September The museum is located in a historic building situated in Richmond, on the banks of the Thames. It has a large regular attendance, averaging 55,000 visitors a year, and an active out-reach programme. Artists in the show include Joe Machine, Gavin Nolan, Tim Parr, James Jessop, Peter Lamb, Charles Thomson, Rose Gibbs, Dale Adcock, Dan Coombes, and Gordon Cheung.

(Above: "Chris" painted by Harry Pye) to see the real thing you'll have to get yourself down to Orleans House Gallery, Riverside, Twickenham, TW1 3DJ and fast.
(Below: "Kevin" painted by Harry Pye - which is also in the show.)

Monday, 17 September 2012

(Above image: "No Justice Means No Peace" by Team Beswick & Pye 2012.)
Gordon Beswick and Harry Pye have accepted the invitation of Ben Moore to take part in a special Art Below project that features work about peace.
Other artists involved include Billy Childish, Cathy Lomax, Alison Jackson, Philip Levine,and Sarah Maple.
London's Gallery Different (14 Percy Street, just off Tottenham Court Road) is having a private view of the works on the 11th of October.
Proceeds of selected works will go to the Halabaja Community Playground Project in Northern Iraq.
Selected works from the show will also appear in Regent's St Tube the same time as The Frieze Art Fair (11th-14th Oct).
Art Below was founded by Ben and Simon Moore in 2006. They are an independent public arts organisation who give artists the chance to exhibit their work in tube stations.
For more info about the event phone Ben on: 0207 731 0333

Saturday, 1 September 2012

Some know him as "The Urban Spaceman", some know him as "The 7th Python" and to others he will always "Ron Nasty of The Rutles". In my opinion The Bonzo Dog Band are up there with the greats so I was absolutely delighted to hang out with ex Bonzo Neil Innes yesterday. Neil came to Julian Wakeling Studios in South London to record the vocals for "Flying Down To Rio" a song written by Mike Nesmith of The Monkees. Julian had recorded a demo featuring himself on guitar and piano and me doing percussion. Paul Speare recorded two amazing solos on the baritone saxaphone. Playing the bass guitar was our extra Special guest: 2-Tone legend Horace Panter!

Paul and Horace both appear on In The Studio with The Special AKA. When The Specials split up Horace worked with General Public whose keyboard player Mickey Billingham used to be in Dexys the same time as Paul.

Horace and Paul are also huge Bonzo fans who (if ever needed) can quote vast chunks from songs such as Hello Mable, Mr Apollo, and The Intro Outro.

(Above: Neil holds a copy of The Rutles All You Need Is Cash e.p)
A Team Beswick & Pye video for "Flying Down To Rio" by Neil Innes & The Values featuring Horace Panter will appear on You Tube in a month or so.
Horace Panter will be taking part in the BIG ONE concert in aid of The Teenage Cancer Trust at Parkdean Sandford in Dorset. Over 20 acts including Roddy "Radiation" Byers, Rhoda Dakar, Rico Rodriguez, Dennis Bovell, Winston Reedy and more will be in attendance. Tickets & accommodation are still available for more info visit:
http://www.specializedcharityalbum.co.uk